Self Defence and Martial Arts Tips - the Importance of Structure in Maximizing Striking Power
In a self defence/self protection situation, once conflict becomes physical, you need to get the job done very quickly (within 30 to 60 seconds). The objective of every strike is to incapacitate the opponent. To produce an injury that fundamentally changes the normal functioning of the body. To cause such an injury, you need to generate and transfer the largest amount of kinetic energy possible into the target......you need to maximize your striking power.
There are four elements required to maximize striking power.....to achieve the striking power to incapacitate an opponent. Those elements are: Structure, the Body in Motion (kinetic energy), an Appropriate Tool, and a Specific Target. This article is confined to a discussion of the first element - Structure.
In simple terms, structure is being prepared for the equal and opposite reaction that occurs when our body collides with the body of our opponent......it is being braced for the collision.....being braced against the planet. The effect, a strike has on a target is determined, in part, by structure. It also has an effect on the person doing the striking. Structure is like a chain and it will give at the weakest link.
If, at the point of impact, structure is poor; the equal and opposite reaction will detract from the power of the strike. It will also most probably result in: a loss of balance, pain, and injury for the person doing the striking. However, if you are braced against the planet, your opponent will be hit by the planet. With proper structure, you will absorb the equal and opposite reaction and be immovable. This is, of course, assuming that good timing and rhythm has not allowed the opponent to also prepare for the collision.
Good structure begins from the ground up. With the correct breathing, stance and footwork training, you will move with balance and power. Good structure is a straight spine. Bending or leaning will result in a loss of balance and power. Maintaining a straight spine will ensure that your centre of gravity is above your base. It will ensure your balance is not compromised. A straight spine gives you the ability to strike with your bodyweight and not just with the weight of your limbs.
To summarize.....structure is being braced against the planet. It is the preparation for the equal and opposite reaction that occurs when our body collides with the body of our opponent. Proper body structure, at the point of impact, will absorb this equal and opposite reaction and increase the kinetic energy transferred into the target.
Future articles, will explore the other three elements required to maximize striking power: the Body in Motion (kinetic energy), an Appropriate Tool, and a Specific Target.
Related Tags: power, martial arts, structure, self defence, striking, martial arts tips, striking power, self defence tips
Michael Harkess, Senior Instructor, Unique Solutions Street Self Protection Program
During his late teens and early 20's, Michael's martial arts experience extended to Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Karate.
Later in life, he developed an intense interest in the many different styles of Kung Fu, both external and internal. In 1992, Michael graduated as an Instructor, in the style Ging Mo Kune, at the Malcolm Sue Kung Fu School (MSKFS). Whilst employed as a part time instructor at the MSKFS, he also attended classes in Chen Style Tai Chi and developed an interest in Nine Dragon Baguazhang, both of which are internal styles of Kung Fu.
12 months later he graduated as a Senior Instructor and commenced work on the design and development of his Unique Solutions' Street Self Protection Program. To facilitate continuous improvement of his program, Michael has researched numerous personal protection, self-defence and martial arts disciplines. The research continues.....................
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